subject: What Are The Differences Between A Food Processor And A Blender? [print this page] A food processor is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that is designed to quickly and easily perform repetitive food preparation tasks like chopping, slicing, shredding, grinding, and pureeing. A food processor can be used to prepare almost any type of food. Importantly, a food processor can be a valuable time saving resource for any cook and eliminate stress that would otherwise be put on hands, wrists and forearms from repetitive cutting tasks.
- Grinding nuts, seeds, spices, meat, and dried fruit
- Mixing and kneading bread, pie or other doughs
- Pureeing fruits or vegetables
- Shredding or grating cheese or vegetables
Food processors are similar to blenders in several ways. A food processor and a blender both have a heavy, stable base that houses the appliance's motor and provides stability while the appliance is in operation. Also, the food processor's and blender's motors are connected to a shaft which powers the appliance's blades that in turn cut through the food in the appliance.
However, the primary differences between food processors and blenders are in the food processor's blades and blade attachments and use. Food processors use interchangeable blades and disk attachments instead of a blender's fixed blade. A blender's jar is ususally rectangular or square in shape and design. In contrast, a food processor's bowl is usually wider and shorter. This rounder, wider shape is more appropriate for the solid or semi-solid foods that are worked through a food processor. In contrast, a blender's jar typicallly holds liquids. Lastly, unlike a blender, little or no liquids are used or required when operating a food processor.
